It has been an interesting year so far, and it’s only March! We have the World Poultry Congress (August 2020 in Paris) in full swing – the organisers are working hard to make it a great event. In addition, we are planning to hold some workshops regarding publishing at the event – so look out for dates and sign up if you want to come along and get more information on getting your research into peer review. There will be many other meetings as well, which only happen at WPC, including branch secretary and council meetings, so please keep an eye out for announcements, and do attend if you can. Please make sure any changes in your membership and secretariat locally in updates and sent to The Secretary General’s office for updating, so all is in order before the WPC. In addition, there have been some major changes in journal editing – as we have made the transition now to Taylor and Francis from Cambridge University Press. After some initial problems, we now have the March issue finalised. Thanks to all involved for your patience and help with getting this move made successfully. Please note, the revised and updated Editorial Board list is now included in this issue – and thanks to those who have volunteered their time and agreed to be on the board to assist me with the journal.
Problems, such as the coronavirus outbreak, have affected a great many people, regarding travelling and commerce. I do hope all those affected are safe and secure and hope the problems will end soon. In particular, it has to be hoped that these restrictions do not affect attendance at WPSA conferences and meetings, as delegate numbers are essential to the financial success of these events. For all of you not affected by restrictions, please make the effort to support meetings, local or not. I plan to attend the WPSA UK meeting in the UK at the end of March – and hope to meet researchers and authors there to promote the journal. The UK, like other regional events held by branches, is always a good place to learn and network.
The current issue contains a variety of papers – including topics as diverse as alternative feed materials, welfare, disease control and genetics – including an invited paper from Dr Michele Tixier, who works as a genetics specialist in France and is chief organiser for the next WPC in Paris. Please keep the variety coming in as this gives us a broader reach to our membership. Please note that small-scale family poultry papers now are diverted to our FAO colleague, Dr Fallou Gueye, who is responsible for their publication in his journal, which is more targeted towards the INFPD audience, giving better readership and citation opportunities for authors.
I hope to catch up with as many of you as I can at regional meetings or the WPC in Paris!